Elephants in the Room

A quick look and the outdoor cred and environmental records of the Republican candidates

One hunts varmints. Another thinks the EPA should go the way of the spotted owl. Another rides a Harley to campaign events and has called for cap-and-trade regulations on power plants. They’re the Republican candidates for President of the United States, and they’ll soon be on a ballot near you. Here’s what you need to know about their outdoor sporting backgrounds and views on the environment. Ratings on outdoor cred go from 1 (I see plenty of nature—along the side of the Interstate) to 10 (I crap in the woods and like it). Ratings on the environment go from 1 (global warming is nothing but a job-killing, freedom-hating conspiracy) to 10 (I want to hug Al Gore like Tipper won’t anymore). The candidates included in this list still stand a snowball’s chance in the rapidly melting Arctic of winning the Republican nomination. Former New Mexico governor and adventure athlete Gary Johnson isn’t included—Outsidealready covered him in detail here.